What does Postmodernization mean?

Question

Could you tell me what does postmodernization mean? And when the term of "post" in front of other words, what does it mean? Thank you very much.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, willzmj-- and welcome to English Forums.

The prefix 'post-' means 'after' in some sense.

Here is a lengthy passage that might help you understand 'postmodernization':

Postmodernization and the Second Enlightenment

By Zhihe ****, Ph.D
Director, China Project, Center for Process Studies

It is clear to all that China is facing the predicament of modernization. While the achievements of China's modernization are remarkable, such as the fast GDP growth, the price is extremely high. The price includes environmental problems, an increasing gap between the rich and the poor, and the loss of faith among its people.

What is wrong with China's modernization? Who is responsible for the predicament? Is there any way for China to get out of the predicament? Is there any alternative to the current form of modernization?

Constructive postmodern thought, based on Whiteheadian or Process thought, provides an alternative to China's current form of modernization. However, in order for a constructively postmodern culture to emerge in China or in other parts of the world, we need what can be called a Second Enlightenment. A Second Enlightenment can overcome the limitations of the first Enlightenment, aspects of which are responsible for some of China's problems in modernization. A Second Enlightenment can assist China in a process that moves beyond modernity toward postmodernity: a process called postmodernization.

However, do not confuse postmodernization with postmodernism, which is an art movement:

postmodernism

[From Latin post: after, and from English modernism.]

(epistemology) A radical form of relativism (similar to polylogism and opposed to scientism and objectivism) holding that there are no privileged viewpoints and that objective knowledge is effectively unattainable

(aesthetics) The theory and practice of art that devalued representationalism and formalism in favor of a kind of eclecticism and experimentalism.

What does Postmodernization mean?

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Postmodernization and the Second Enlightenment

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